Juja to increase bursaries by Sh25 million as demand soars

The CDF bursary allocation in Juja constituency is set to be increased by Sh25 million to cater for the high number of needy students.

Speaking in Juja town on Saturday, MP George Koimburi said many students missed out last month when Sh50 million was disbursed, so it will now be increased to Sh75 million.

“The money that we have been disbursing has been inadequate to cater for all the needy cases, and this is why we will increase the amount to reach more beneficiaries,” he said.

Koimburi said that the increment has also been facilitated by the decision by parliamentarians to scrap the 35 per cent capping of bursary allocations.

This allowed MPs to issue bursaries according to the population of needy learners in their constituencies.

Koimburi was disbursing Sh5.8 million bursaries to 725 learners.

He said the money was set aside for emergency during the Covid-19 pandemic but was not spent.

He wrote to the national government CDF board, seeking permission to disburse it as bursaries to needy students.

“They have received Sh8,000 each, and the money will help keep them in school so they can focus on their studies and ultimately achieve their goals,” Koimburi said.

The MP said the population in the constituency has tremendously increased, hence the rise in the number of learners.

More focus is being put on improving academic status in the region, he said.

He cited the Sh80 million schools upgrade project that he recently launched.

It aims to create a conducive environment for learners and teachers with the ultimate goal of improving academic performance.

Koimburi rallied parliamentarians and especially from the Mt Kenya region to support the one-man, one-vote, one-shilling motion once it is tabled in Parliament.

It is the only way the region will get resources as per its population as opposed to land mass, he said.

He said the formula will address the inequalities that have for long oppressed learners in the region, with meagre bursary allocations.

“For years, our students have been receiving peanuts in bursaries, while in other regions, students are sponsored up to university level,” Koimburi said.

Residents led by David Kiiru agreed with the MP, saying time is ripe for the region's leaders to join hands and demand for the formula.

Kiiru said the region has been getting a raw deal in sharing of the government funds despite its high population.

“It’s high time our leaders shun their political differences and speak in one voice in advocating for a formula that will see more resources trickle down to our region,” Kiiru said.

Residents who received bursaries praised the MP for ensuring that all needy learners are assisted in their academic journey.

“Most of us have been facing an uphill task to even put food on the table for our families, leave alone facilitating our children’s education,” said Juliet Muthoni, a parent.

“The bursaries are a huge boost to us and we are confident that our kids will now concentrate on their studies and post good results.”